Public Statements

Statement

United States Representative Jim McGovern announced a $76,000 grant from the Department of Homeland Security's FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program to the Paxton Fire Department today. The grant will be used to purchase eight automatic external defibrillators and two cardiac monitors.

"This federal grant is excellent news for Paxton," Rep. McGovern said. "It's critical that we provide local first responders with the resources they need to protect our communities. I believe that homeland security begins with hometown security, and I will continue to strongly support funding of this Assistance to Firefighters Grant program in Congress."

FEMA Regional Fire Program Specialist David Parr commented, "Paxton fire officials should be congratulated for being awarded this grant. The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program is extremely competitive, with some 11,661 applications submitted nationwide for this grant funding, yet only about 1,000 grants will be awarded."

"We are thrilled to receive this $76,000 grant," said Paxton Town Administrator Carol Riches. "It will fund the replacement of outdated defibrillators that are vital to our EMS and Fire and Police Department."

"Paxton has demonstrated their commitment to the highest level of public safety here," said State Senator Stephen M. Brewer. "This funding will allow them to have the equipment necessary to best serve the residents of the community."

"I'd like to thank the Congressman for his work on this, and congratulate the Paxton Fire Department and EMS for receiving this grant. Especially in today's difficult financial times, any bit of money we can receive is important, and I'm happy they'll be able to purchase this equipment to help the people of Paxton and the region.

The Assistance for Firefighters Grant Program assists rural, urban and suburban fire departments throughout the United States. Since 2001, the AFG Program has provided approximately $5.25 billion in grants to first-responder organizations to obtain much-needed emergency response equipment, personal protective equipment, firefighting and emergency vehicles, and training.